Camaraderie, comfort part of Orchard Knoll atmosphere

Thursday

Nov 7, 2013 at 6:00 AMNov 7, 2013 at 8:35 AM

By Michael D. Kane BANNER EDITOR

WEST BOYLSTON — Orchard Knoll, the town-owned affordable and senior housing development at 87 Maple St., has undergone a series of grant-funded repairs in recent years and the work will continue, according to the complex's Executive Director Anita Sullivan and Housing Authority member Marcia Cairns.

Sparked by a comment at a public forum, where one resident who does not live in the complex referred to it as "a dump," Cairns said some in the community have an unfair and incorrect perception of the facilities.

"A lot of the people who have that perception have never been in the buildings," Cairns said.

Sullivan, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the complex said she had heard none of the negativity expressed by potential residents, who visit and drive through the complex on a regular basis.

Built in 1982 with five family units and 28, one-bedroom elderly units, Orchard Knoll was expanded in 1993 to include eight more, one-bedroom elderly units, and 13 more family units.

Money to maintain the buildings does not come from local tax revenue, but from the state, Cairns said. Most of the recent repairs have come from state grants, though town meeting voters did approve Community Preservation money for new roofs.

"We get no money from the town," Cairns said. "We pay our own water and lights, and we pay PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes)."

In recent years, the original buildings all received new roofs and windows. New sliding glass doors were installed in the community center and old refrigerators were replaced.

This year, the boilers will be replaced in the 1982 buildings, and the units will receive low-flow toilets and shower heads to help reduce water usage.

Town residents who want to stay in West Boylston when they retire have an option, Sullivan said. Veterans and West Boylston residents get top preference on all applications, and currently, there is a waiting list with West Boylston residents on it.

"Every person who comes in from West Boylston goes to the top of the list," Sullivan said. "I tell people all the time, sign up to get on the list, even if you think you may not be looking for a few years.

"It's important for people to know that they can apply as soon as they turn 60," she said. "It can take a while to get in."

"You can always say no and go back on the list if you are not ready (when a unit becomes available)," Cairns said.

Applicants pay 30 percent of their income toward rent, after medical costs are subtracted. The rent includes utilities and heat.

"It is such an asset to the town," Cairns said. "People get first preference, it is affordable and well-kept."

The one-bedroom apartments are spacious enough for couples to live comfortably, Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the community space also gives Orchard Knoll residents the option of hosting gatherings and parties, without having to host them in their home.

Beyond the living space, Cairns and Sullivan spoke to the atmosphere. The community room offers an opportunity for residents who may live alone and who do not drive to get together. Games and puzzles over coffee are the current popular activities, she said.

"Even when they come to get their mail, people will stay around and chat," Sullivan said.

"There is a wonderful camaraderie," Cairns added.

Sullivan also noted that neighbors watch out for one another. She cited examples where she has received calls from residents because neighbors have not seen a particular resident taking part in the regular routine.

"We'll go over and check it out," she said, relating the story of one resident who had fallen and was only discovered because of her neighbor's concern.

"There's really a nice sense of community here," Sullivan said. "Once they get here, even if they are in good health and active, they find they like it."

"The people who live here really like living here," Cairns said. "We want people in town to think of this as an asset," Cairns said. "Because that's what it is."

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